Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers to stop at least 25 feet from school buses loading/unloading children or individuals with developmental disabilities on undivided highways, and to slow to 10 mph on divided highways. It establishes that violations captured by school bus monitoring systems (like cameras) will result in a $300 civil penalty instead of criminal charges or license points. The law directly affects drivers near school buses, school bus operators, and enforcement agencies. Key provisions include standardized stopping distances, speed limits for divided highways, and shifting penalties for monitored violations to a civil fine system. This changes enforcement by prioritizing evidence from monitoring systems to reduce penalties for documented violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's rural microenterprise permit law by expanding the definition of "qualifying land" to include properties covered by certain types of easement deeds. It specifically excludes portions of farms from preservation requirements when these easements are in place. The change allows farmers with such easements to apply for special permits for small-scale rural businesses (like bed-and-breakfasts or equipment repair) on their land, subject to limits like a one-acre area cap and no interference with farming. This directly affects farmers holding specific easements who seek to operate permitted microenterprises without triggering full farmland preservation rules on excluded portions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals with complaints about farming operations (like noise, odors, or land use) to file their complaint with the agriculture development board in a neighboring county if their local board cannot meet due to conflicts of interest. It also creates two new alternate voting members for these county boards, who must be residents of the county or members of an adjacent county’s agriculture board. These changes aim to ensure complaints are processed when local boards are unable to act, directly affecting farmers, landowners, and county boards handling Right to Farm Act disputes. The policy focuses on streamlining complaint resolution without altering the existing legal framework for farm operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to stop funding substance use disorder treatment and housing support services for General Assistance beneficiaries as soon as they leave those services. It mandates that funding automatically ceases on the date a beneficiary is discharged from a provider or no longer receives services. The commissioner can verify service end dates and demand repayment for any funds paid after services ended. This directly affects county welfare agencies, providers of these support services, and General Assistance recipients who receive housing or substance use treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2735) requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to study disordered eating causes, prevention, and treatment gaps in the state, with specific focus on communities disproportionately affected - such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, and older residents. It establishes a three-year "Disordered Eating Prevention Research Grant Pilot Program" within DHS to fund research on barriers to treatment, root causes, and risk factors for disordered eating among these groups. Eligible applicants (nonprofits, researchers, or organizations) can apply for grants to conduct this research, with DHS administering the program and requiring annual reports on grant usage and findings. The study must be completed within 18 months, and DHS must submit annual reports on the grant program's progress to the Governor and Legislature. The bill directly affects state agencies, research organizations, and vulnerable communities facing higher disordered eating risks.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill provides a tax credit for businesses that retrofit existing warehouses (at least 100,000 sq ft used for storage) with designated solar-ready zones. The credit, capped at $250,000 per warehouse or 50% of retrofit costs, is only available after solar panels are actually installed on the prepared zone. Businesses can claim this credit for up to eight qualifying warehouses in a single tax year. The program has a total funding limit of $25 million across all claims, and the state tax authority must verify solar panel installation before issuing credits. It aims to incentivize solar infrastructure in commercial storage facilities through direct financial support.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of the Farm Ombudsman within New Jersey's Department of Agriculture, directly serving farmers and prospective farmers. The ombudsman will provide free assistance navigating state, federal, and local agricultural laws, permits, emergency responses, grant applications, and issues like pests, climate challenges, and land acquisition. The office must maintain confidentiality of farmer communications and submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature with service summaries and policy recommendations. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to fund this office's operations, effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a loan program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to help beginning farmers purchase essential assets. It directly affects new or limited-experience farmers (defined as those with ≤10 years of farming in NJ, low/moderate net worth, or first-time farmers under federal rules) who need capital for agricultural land, farm buildings, or equipment. The program requires applicants to prove farming experience, residency, and plan to use loans solely for farming activities, with NJEDA setting interest rates and eligibility criteria. Loans must finance purchases within New Jersey, and NJEDA may require financial reviews to ensure borrower viability.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2765) requires specific groups to complete human trafficking training as a condition of employment or licensing. Law enforcement officers responding to domestic violence or sexual assault cases must complete training developed by the Police Training Commission. Hotels/motels must provide one-time training to owners, operators, and staff (linked to license maintenance), while healthcare facility employees must complete similar training (tied to facility licensing). Judges and court staff must also complete awareness training on human trafficking impacts and victim rights. The bill mandates these trainings be reviewed every two years.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.